Page 11 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

“Please,” she begs. “Please, I’ll give you anything you want.”

I smile, raising the blade until it gleams. “I know you will.”

They all do, in the end.

It’s pathetic the way they beg. No matter how I do it, no matter what I tell them, they always beg.

It’s my least favorite part.

I want them to understand—their death brings life.

Each soul I extinguish gives so many others the chance to flourish.

Why don’t they see?

My work serves the greater good. I hope knowing that will settle them, but it never does. I hate letting fear taint my work. Long ago, I learned how it seeps into the blood, souring the flesh. I do my best to avoid this; to do my work the way I’ve been taught.

Either way, the work still must be done.

I check my watch. The drug has taken effect now. It’s time to begin.

The girl’s eyes widen as I bend to place a kiss to her forehead. Though she hasn’t made a sound, I hold one gloved finger to my lips. “Shhhh,” I croon. “There’s nothing to fear. ”

I’ve designed it that way. She will feel nothing now, and I will feel everything.

Briefly, I wonder how long this one will last. Then, I make my first incision.